Jaipur - Day 2 - Part 1

Another pre sunrise start to go to the Jhalana Leopard Conservation Reserve just outside Jaipur. 2 hours in an open jeep along bumpy roads to see if we could find the elusive leopards. Very cold too, we had to hire blankets. You guessed it, very near the end of the safari, no leopards had been sighted. Suddenly, the Jeep took off at speed. Obviously, word had come through! We arrived at a spot where other Jeeps were lined up.
Everyone was pointing. There was a leopard mum & 3 cubs way, way up on the mountain top, playing in the trees. Of course, I couldn't see them 🤓. I saw a very blurry video but that was it. It was ironic as 2 nights ago there was a leopard seen not far from our hotel. Apparently, they leap over the reserve fence & head into town for a meal of street dog 😢.
Back to base for breakfast & a short break before venturing out again.
We visited the Jantar Mantar astronomical site built in C18. There we saw large masonry astrological instruments designed for the observation of astrological positions. Some are still working. Incredible as they are 300 years old. Nearby is the Royal Palace where the young King, 26 years old, lives with his mother, grandmother & sister. He is India's most eligible bachelor! You cannot go in, of course, but there is a museum next door where you can see ancient textiles, clothes etc. Outside, there is a beautiful dance courtyard with windows so the women of the court could view the entertainment without being seen.
Lunch at the very nice museum Cafe before heading back to base for another rest. Phew!Read more